As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, AlphSZ Eswatini has pledged a sponsorship of E100 000 towards the 2025 Border to Border (B2B) Cycle Tour.
The announcement of the sponsorship was held on the roof top of the Intfutfuko Building in Mbabane. Speaking during the announcement, CEO of AlphSZ Eswatini, Thandile Nxumalo, said that they are doing this for the health of the nation,
“A healthy nation is a wealthy nation and it is important for companies to be good corporate citizens,” she said. “As AlphSZ, we manage people’s wealth, so it is in our best interest to see people healthy. You need to be healthy to go to work, become productive, and ultimately, your productivity will make you wealthy.”
Nxumalo further highlighted the importance of businesses being good corporate citizens and giving back to the communities in which they operate.
“We operate in Eswatini, so it is important for us to give back to Eswatini. I would like to thank all the sponsors of this event, and I hope to see as many people as possible joining us to explore the beauty of the Kingdom on two wheels,” she said.
Also speaking during the sponsorship handover, B2B Project Lead, Mxolisi Kenneth Shongwe, expressed heartfelt appreciation to AlphSZ Eswatini for embracing the vision of sports tourism through the Border to Border Cycle Tour.
“Today marks the fifth year of the B2B Tour, and the continuous support from AlphSZ and our fellow sponsors has been truly invaluable to our growth and success,” Shongwe said.
He fondly recalled the tour’s humble beginnings in 2021, when AlphSZ, then operating as Sanlam Eswatini, provided critical initial support by donating transport in the form of two kombis. That support enabled a group of just 12 cyclists to undertake the very first ride from Ngwenya Border Post to Lavumisa.
“It is truly humbling to witness the remarkable evolution of this event,” he said. “We now attract a significant number of participants from across Eswatini and beyond, including cyclists from Mozambique, Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg), Mpumalanga, and Gauteng.”
Shongwe highlighted the far-reaching impact of AlphSZ’s sponsorship, noting that their contribution played a major role in the creation of a professional website: b2bcycletour.com. “This platform serves as a central hub for participant registration, event updates, and also celebrates our valued sponsors,” he said, adding that the team continues to build on the site to ensure it remains a dynamic and useful resource.
He also emphasized the direct community benefits made possible through the sponsorship. He revealed that the support helps fund three feeding kitchens in Lavumisa and empowers local small businesses to provide meals and services to our cyclists at the finish line.
“This year, we are especially honoured to have two Special Olympics athletes joining the ride,” Shongwe said. “It’s a powerful reminder of the inclusive spirit of the Border to Border Cycle Tour, made possible through the generosity of AlphSZ and other partners. Thank you once again for your incredible support, which is making a tangible difference.”
The 2025 B2B Cycle Tour, scheduled for 14 June, will feature various categories including a 240km ride from Ngwenya Border Post to Lavumisa Border Post, a 180km route starting in Manzini, a 130km segment from Sikhuphe, and a 100km course beginning in Lukhula. All routes will converge at the Lavumisa Border Post, offering participants a unique opportunity to explore Eswatini’s diverse regions.